Purdue studies air quality at feed plants

Research has officially begun in the largest study
ever conducted to measure levels of various gases and airborne pollutants
emitted from poultry, dairy and swine facilities across the nation.

Led by Purdue University, the 2.5-year, $14.6 million study will measure
levels of hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter and ammonia, among other
chemicals, released from livestock facilities. Measurements have begun in
locations throughout the country and by midsummer will be under way at all 20
study sites in eight states.

Unique study

"This study will give us a wealth of much-needed scientific information
about livestock-generated air pollution," said Al Heber, the Purdue professor of
agricultural and biological engineering who leads the study. "There has never
been a study this comprehensive or long-term."

"The data collected in this study will help us be able to estimate the
quantity of emissions given a farm's activities and number of animals," said
Richard Grant, a professor of agronomy and a principal investigator in the
study. He said the study would help develop an "emissions-estimating
methodology."

In addition, the study will establish infrastructure that should later
allow researchers to test different abatement strategies to improve downwind air
quality.